My Breast Cancer Journal
Part 8
Breast Cancer is a disease that touches everyone lives. 1 out of 8 women get diagnosed with some form of breast cancer. I was diagnosed in January 2021. Here is my story…
9 Days Post Op - Jounal entry 3/21/21
Happy Sunday Everyone!
Spring has SPRUNG in Houston and it’s a time for new beginings, new life and new opportunities! I hope today’s update finds you all in good spirits and you are ready to spring forth in newness!
Speaking of newness, I have AMAZING NEWS to share! The pathology report for my breast tissue and 4 lymph nodes removed during surgery has returned, and except for the cancer tumor itself, there was NO other disease or cancer found! NONE! So that means that I am completely CANCER FREE! Choosing to be agressive and removing my entire breast means I will NOT need chemo or radiation! Of course I still need to meet the medical oncologist to be perscribed a cancer preventative “pill”, but there should be no other treatment needed. I know I opted to be very agressive, but it was worth it! Can I get a Halleluliah and Praise be to God?
What's Next?
WHAT’S NEXT? Tuesday I have my first followup appointment with the plastic surgeon (Dr Villa) to hopefully have my drains removed and I see the surgical oncologist (Dr. Kelly Hunt, who removed my breast and lymph nodes) on the 13th. Hopefully my breast reconstruction will begin soon and be completed by July.
As For Now...
AS FOR NOW, Each day I wake up stronger and I have less pain. My exercises are getting easier and I have had almost no complications. I read my daily devotional, Jesus Calling, and draw strength and gratitude from His word. I read all your texts, cards, enjoy your meals and treats you have been graciously providing and receive your generous packages that arrive daily. Each and every one of you has contributed to my strength and I am eternally grateful for you looking after both me and my family. Having mom and dad here with us has been a blessing in disguise, and while their house repairs are moving right along, I’m in no hurry for them to go. With Covid restrictions, it would have be a lonely recovery without everyone being stuck here with me!
What I'm NOT going TO DO:
What I’m NOT going TO DO: I cannot express how comforting and healing this news is for me, but I’m sure you can imagine and that you all share in those feelings with me. I’m NOT going to question this experience because I know this was all part of God’s plan for me. I’m going to wait patiently for repair and healing and be intentional about my time and actions. I’m going to listen for Him to tell me what He wants me to do next. There is no purpose in asking why. I’m NOT going to feel sorry for myself for what cancer has done to my body. As one friend put it, my scars are part of my Spirited Cancer Warrior Armor. And spirited I AM!
What I AM going TO DO:
What I AM going TO DO: I’m very grateful to give cancer the BIG BOOT, and so quickly is a blessing. It’s bizarre how my life changed dramatically in just 2 short months, but that’s what cancer does. It stops your life in it’s tracks and it creates a time of fear, stress, anxiety and axiousness. But, if we allow ourselfs to go deeper, it can also create a time for faith, reflection, inspiration and growth! A time to strengthen our bodies mentally, emotionally and spiritually and a time to invest in and deepen meaningful relationships. A time to clean out the weeds, those nasty thoughts in your mind that serve no purpose, and a time to discard those wolves in sheeps clothing that have falsely labeld themselves as a “friend”. Cancer sharpens your senses and it changes you, physically, mentally , emotionally and spiritually. So while I’ve won this fight, I’ve also learned and grown from this experience. I’m going to give myself some grace. I’m going to learn to love my new body, give it time to heal and strengthen and be thankful that while my physical sacrifice was small (I mean, really? It’s just a boob!), my mental gain was tremendous! I’m going to use my new knowledge and grow! I’m going to continue to be spirited. And I’m going to encourage you to do the SAME!
What YOU Can Do:
If you know someone else with cancer, please reach out to them and if you are able, do something nice for them. They need it and it will make you feel good too. A card, a text, a book, a meal, anything really. Nothing is too big or small. It will contribute to their strength to fight and help them not feel so alone. You ALL did that for me and I will never forget it! THANK YOU!
Love you all, Susan xx (enjoy this little collage of all your thoughtulness; each morsel, petal, touch and scent has contributed to my spirit!)
If you are looking for a place to get a mammogram, just ask your OBGYN.
The technology these days is amazing and you will get your results almost immediately.
Please don’t delay this important act of self care. You and your loved ones deserve it!
For local ladies, below is the information on MDAnderson in the Houston Medical Center.
